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The origins of the Mormon religion can be traced to the early 1800's when Joseph Smith Jr. claimed he had a vision from God in 1820. Nine years later, Joseph Smith finished the Book of Mormon and began experiencing persecution for his unique beliefs. As the Church grew it moved to Ohio and then to Jackson County, Missouri which the Church believed was to be the site of a "New Jerusalem". As large numbers of "Mormons" entered Jackson County they came into conflict with the area's residents who feared and resented the large influx of immigrants. Historians also point to the conflict between Northern and Southern viewpoints especially in regards to the slavery issue.
By 1831, the first settlers began arriving in Jackson County, buying land and preparing for the arrival of other members. Some businesses were begun including a general store and a printing press for the church's newspaper. By 1833, more than 1,200 Mormons were in the area and the violence began. The documents included in this wiki have been selected to tell the ensuing story, beginning with Smith's revelation to come to this area and ending with Governor Boggs order for the people of Missouri to "exterminate or drive them from the state."
On each page, you will find a primary source document as well as a narrative which provides context for the docuement. Spend time looking at both.
The benefit of a wiki is that it is always a work in progress. If there is a topic you know about- or wish to add to, go ahead.
Do you have corrections or additional information? Contribute to any page by clicking EDIT
The origins of the Mormon religion can be traced to the early 1800's when Joseph Smith Jr. claimed he had a vision from God in 1820. Nine years later, Joseph Smith finished the Book of Mormon and began experiencing persecution for his unique beliefs. As the Church grew it moved to Ohio and then to Jackson County, Missouri which the Church believed was to be the site of a "New Jerusalem". As large numbers of "Mormons" entered Jackson County they came into conflict with the area's residents who feared and resented the large influx of immigrants. Historians also point to the conflict between Northern and Southern viewpoints especially in regards to the slavery issue.
By 1831, the first settlers began arriving in Jackson County, buying land and preparing for the arrival of other members. Some businesses were begun including a general store and a printing press for the church's newspaper. By 1833, more than 1,200 Mormons were in the area and the violence began. The documents included in this wiki have been selected to tell the ensuing story, beginning with Smith's revelation to come to this area and ending with Governor Boggs order for the people of Missouri to "exterminate or drive them from the state."
On each page, you will find a primary source document as well as a narrative which provides context for the docuement. Spend time looking at both.
The benefit of a wiki is that it is always a work in progress. If there is a topic you know about- or wish to add to, go ahead.